Ontario’s Attorney General is calling on the Carney Liberals to consider legalizing the use of pepper spray for self-defense measures. This proposal also involves the exploration of mandatory DNA collection upon arrests for sexual offences. In his open letter to Canada’s Attorney General, Doug Downey says it’s all part of an effort to hold violent offenders accountable, support victims of crime, and strengthen public safety. As of today, it’s illegal to carry pepper spray. As of today, a warrant or conviction is required for DNA sample collection. But according to criminal defense lawyer Sam Puchala, this isn’t just a political move. It resembles an entire shift in the nature of self-defense analysis. She joins Kristy Cameron on today's Ottawa Now.

<p>Ontario&rsquo;s Attorney General is calling on the Carney Liberals to consider legalizing the use of pepper spray for self-defense measures. This proposal also involves the exploration of mandatory DNA collection upon arrests for sexual offences. In his open letter to Canada&rsquo;s Attorney General, Doug Downey says it&rsquo;s all part of an effort to hold violent offenders accountable, support victims of crime, and strengthen public safety. As of today, it&rsquo;s illegal to carry pepper spray. As of today, a warrant or conviction is required for DNA sample collection. But according to criminal defense lawyer Sam Puchala, this isn&rsquo;t just a political move. It resembles an entire shift in the nature of self-defense analysis. She joins Kristy Cameron on today's Ottawa Now.</p>